Since her 2012 introduction, multidisciplinary artist Kilo Kish has exhibited deep commitment to her authenticity. Emerging from the digital era of Soundcloud, music blogs, and mixtapes, she has managed to retain her vibrant uniqueness despite the cold algorithms and social media marketing that often push influencers to the forefront over artists. Her latest EP, ‘Negotiations’, explores the tension between creativity and commercialism, striving to preserve one's humanity amidst industry pressures.
Clash had the chance to converse with Kish to delve into the immersive world of ‘Negotiations’, as well as the challenges of adapting to a constantly evolving industry while upholding artistic integrity.
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As a tenacious artist who has peeled back many layers through your work, did you have to unlearn the expectations of being one-dimensional, or has transformation always come naturally to you?
Kilo Kish: Transformation has always felt inherent to me, but it's been a mix of both, really. I had to recognize that this wasn’t the standard approach. Creating in diverse ways is simply how I enjoy making art. I love to explore various ideas. However, on the business side, especially when establishing a “brand,” there's an expectation for consistency. People want the same product repeatedly, much like expecting McDonald’s fries to taste the same every time. Yet, there are listeners who appreciate being challenged and want to grow alongside the artists they follow. I thrive in a space where everyone is exploring their own paths.
While uniformity is certainly easier to market, it is truly inspiring to see you embrace risk and embody such a diverse self. What music did you grow up listening to in your parents' car that influenced your sonic versatility?
I listened to a lot of ‘90s R&B and pop, such as Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and En Vogue. My mom also enjoyed Earth, Wind & Fire and Motown classics. I loved the era of MTV, which significantly shaped my musical tastes. Mornings before school were filled with music videos across various genres, and it felt vibrant and eclectic. Another significant influence was the Myspace and hipster music era during my teenage years when platforms like Napster allowed for music exploration. It was an exciting time to blend mainstream radio pop with deep subcultures and forums.
Back when we actually had to seek out and earn our music! Streaming has made it far too convenient and has diluted the experience. How do you feel the transition of the Internet has affected your music experience?
The changes are dramatic. Expectations for projects in the era of streaming are vastly different. For indie artists, albums now often serve as marketing tools for tours or merchandise rather than being sold directly. The idea of all music being accessible for $10.99 feels like it devalues it. I believe there should be a cultural shift that acknowledges the complexities of being a musician. Being a working musician doesn't equate to being wealthy; you're just a creative navigating a different landscape compared to those who might hold prestigious positions.
Do you carry these thoughts with you while creating a project? Has it altered your creative process?
Absolutely. Everything has changed significantly. For instance, songs and albums have become much shorter due to the shorter attention spans of listeners. People are less inclined to sit through lengthy songs or intros. While I enjoy longer intros, audiences often lack the patience for them now, as everything is becoming short form. You must include a vocal hook within the first fifteen seconds of a song when, in the past, you could have a forty-five-second intro to set the mood. You can still do longer pieces, but they come with the risk of audience drop-off. Even marketing has evolved. The focus is now heavily on visual presence. This aspect is an entirely unpaid task and can be emotionally draining, which tends to favor extroverted artists. In contrast, many introverted artists struggle in today's creative environment.
How would you classify yourself?
I'm a blend of both, really. It varies based on the day or moment, and the energy of those around me influences how I respond. I often feel introverted, although people frequently comment that I'm not as shy as they expected when they meet me.
What motivated you to create art centered around consumerism and perception? What is your daily interaction like with social media?
I would say I’m still quite hooked on it. I find it fascinating, more so than just writing love songs. We live in a unique era where we witness extraordinary things, which requires us to navigate them thoughtfully. As an artist, my focus is on creation. Exploring these themes and building worlds around them is nerdy yet enjoyable for me. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do question how we maintain the sanctity of creation and the respect for art as we progress. Generating endless content isn't necessarily beneficial, especially when the world is already filled with it. We can generate more art and music, but are we truly appreciating what we currently possess? I often find myself skipping through albums
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